Artist's Statement
"In 1992 I began to combine stencils with my freehand work, which allowed me to juxtapose almost photographic imagery with the rawness which evolved from conventional graffiti styles. Stencils introduce an impact element to my work. The appeal of stencils is that they allow me to take an image from anywhere - dissect any part of life - and recreate it on any surface.

I try to add an element of humour or irony to some paintings to add a little light relief to the walls. Painting is a form of escapism for me and if my work allows the spectator to do the same thing, then I've achieved more than I set out to do."

Background
Nick Walker is a well-known street artists. Born in 1969, he emerged from the infamous and ground-breaking Bristol graffiti scene of the early 1980s.

As a forerunner of the British graffiti phenomenon, Nick does work, which has become a blueprint for hundreds of emerging artists. His goal is to do work, which is constantly evolving and remains innovative, modern and thought-provoking.

Walker draws on the energy and imagery of graffiti but he combines the freedom the spray can brings, with very controlled and intricate stenciling, methods which retain their forcefulness and integrity on the traditional medium of canvas.

Nick Walker's instantly recognizable style and humour have gained him a worldwide following. In 2008 Nick had sellout shows in LA and London, where collectors queued for over 24 hours to be among the first to get his latest print edition. In 2008, his iconic Moona Lisa sold over ten times its estimated value at auction at Bonhams.

His work has also been utilized by the record, fashion and film industries. He was commissioned by Stanley Kubrick to recreate the heavily hit graffiti'd areas of New York for Eyes Wide Shut. More recently Nick's infamous and recognizable 'Vandal' character - the artist who disguises himself as a quintessential English gentleman in order to get away with artistic vandalism, was featured in the Black Eyed Peas I Gotta Feeling video.

Nick Walker's work is featured in numerous public and private collections, including the Mugrabi family and has recently been exhibited alongside Warhol, Murakami and Marden in the 'With you I want to Live' show at the Museum of Fort Lauderdale.

Source:
http://www.theartofnickwalker.com/gallery/

Nick Walker, a formative member of the graffiti art movement in 1980s Bristol, England, is best known for merging freehand work with stencilled imagery. As a forerunner of this technique, he believes that the combination allows him to “juxtapose almost photographic imagery with the rawness which evolved from conventional graffiti styles.” Walker’s signature “vandal” figure, an alter-ego who consistently appears in a black suit and bowler hat, is representative of the artist’s desire to imbue his detailed pieces with irony and humor.

In addition to traditional street art, Walker famously recreated the graffitied streets of New York for Stanley Kubrick’s 1999 film, Eyes Wide Shut.

Nick Walker is one of Britain's graffiti pioneers. His works employ a great deal of wry humor and irony, as he treats iconic figures with a refreshing irreverence. Walker cites among his influences the film Blade Runner and New York graffiti artist Dondi. Walker's work has been exhibited worldwide, has published the book The Art of Nick Walker, and is credited as one of the first artists to use stencils in his work.

Nick Walker is part of the highly successful Bristol Street Art scene in England. His canvases are known for his highly detailed stenciled scenes and humor, both of which are prevalent in his canvas Sweet Revenge.

Most recently, Nick Walker's trademark Vandal character can be seen in the music video for Black Eyed Peas I Got A Feeling.